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SELMA, N.C — Eight dogs are dead after a fire at a dog breeding facility in Johnston County. It happened just after 8 a.m. Wednesday at Puppy Paradise on West Blanche Street in Selma.

Family members of the farm's owners say there were about 45 dogs living in the kennels.

Eyewitnesses say it was hard to see anything except smoke.

"I got here, and I heard some of them barking. And, I heard they were small dogs," said Brent Tyner. "I don't know this for a fact, but I heard somebody say something that there were little shih tzus and such as that. And, I got a little shih tzu myself, so it kinda upset me."

Investigators believe the fire started in the office area of the kennel where they say there were large appliances and portable heaters.

The fire marshal said there were no signs that the fire was started intentionally. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to one section of the kennel.

Johnston County's Animal Services brought a small bus to take care of the dogs until the scene was cleared and the puppies may be able to return to parts of the kennel that were untouched by the fire.

One of the Puppy Paradise's owners was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation and is reported to be physically okay, but devastated by the loss of the animals.